An update off our of previous update...

The Deck Band began in 2004 with the foursome of Dennis Helkowski, Eddie Mahan, Kevin Murphy, and Chris White in Dennis' garage, dubbed The Penalty Box.  We jammed on Monday nights without fail, and after a few months decided to give playing out at an open mic a try.  After a successful debut (we didn't get thrown out), we were all hooked and the music continued.  

Shortly afterwards we added another Ed as our full-time singer.   The Deck Band fivesome did several more gigs before Ed #1 decided the situation wasn't working and left the band.  On December 31st, 2008 Eddie Mahan passed away due to injuries he sustained in an automobile accident in early November.  We were all deeply saddened to hear this news, and are still somewhat in shock that someone so young could lose his life.  While we hadn't seen Eddie in several years, we often remenised of him as we talked about how our journey as hobbyist musicians has developed.

His obituary can be found here... http://www.legacy.com/CourierPostOnline/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=122166414

It is a story such as Eddie's passing that puts our newest bit of news into perspective. 

After both Eddie's left the band, Tom Carey was brought in to lead sing and be our frontman.  Similarly to Murph and Whitey, it was his first experience being a bandmember.  We all worked hard together learning the ropes, and trying to move forward with every practice.  TC was no exception.

From last summer to this point Tom has traveled for work five days a week.  While it has been noted that we tried to overcome differing schedules, in the end the band started feeling the arrangement wasn't quite working out, and there was no end in site.  As life would have it, things don't always work out the way you'd like.  Things sometimes get messy, changes need to be made.  It is with that the Deck Band announces our January 17th gig at Weaver's will be TC's last with the band.

We thank him for his hard work, hosting practices each week, providing "libations", spearheading our merchandising efforts, and countless other duties he performed as well as anyone could hope for.  His enthusiasm was always contagious.

What's Next?

With the above developments quickly taking place during the recent holiday season, the band needs to make a move.  We need someone to join that knows what we were about, knows most of our material, and last but not least, can sing.

Mike Koochembere was our Plan A to step in, but he has decided the timing of such a commitment ins't right.

We are currently looking for a lead singing guitar player or keyboardist. 

We are looking forward to one more ride with Tom Carey at the wheel.  Please come out and join us at Weaver's for this Deck Band milestone